With the well-being of our community in mind, we have made the decision to change the way that we approach our fundraising efforts in the coming year. The in-person Milwaukee Empty Bowls event scheduled for October 11, 2020 will no longer be taking place as planned. However, so that we can continue to sustain our mission and raise funds for our nonprofit partners, we are planning on offering new ways for you to support us while still enjoying the spirit of creativity and togetherness that drives Milwaukee Empty Bowls.

Food pantries and meal programs need our assistance now more than ever, but unfortunately there is still a great deal of uncertainty in what lies ahead for our local restaurants, artists, partners, and volunteers. With that in mind, our goal for this fall will be to offer handmade bowls in a new format and as a part of a larger campaign to raise funds and grow awareness for organizations addressing food insecurity. We plan on returning with our in-person event in October of 2021.

Please stay tuned for more information on ways to support our mission. In the meantime, we are always accepting donations at milwaukeeemptybowls.org/supportand encourage you to donate directly to one of the many great organizations serving our community. Thanks to the Milwaukee School of Engineering and to all of you for your continued support!

Thank you to Patrick Zawadzki and the Milwaukee School of Engineering (MSOE Servant Leadership Program)​for creating this video in support of Milwaukee Empty Bowls.

Since 1999, Milwaukee Empty Bowls has donated over $900,000 to help feed those in need in the Milwaukee metro area. More than 95% of the funds raised during this perennially popular event – held around World Food Day – go directly to aid the hungry in our community.

Guests at our October event have their choice from a collection of more than 2,000 bowls handcrafted and donated by local artists, teachers and students. Soups prepared by local chefs are served with bread and other refreshments.Some of the area’s top musicians entertain guests throughout the day.​Guests take their bowls home to serve as a reminder that there are always empty bowls in our community.​With the involvement and support of MSOE, local businesses and nearly 300 volunteers,​proceeds from this year’s event will benefit several agencies in the Milwaukee area.​

2019 THANK YOU!

Our 21th anniversary event in 2019 was another success and together we​raised a $65,475!

Thank you to everyone who attended, donated, and celebrated with us to help make this our biggest and best event.